Colton Women's Club Gathers for National Day of Prayer

For the first time since 2009, the Colton's Women Club opened its clubhouse doors for a National Day of Prayer Breakfast. As other groups nationwide, and even indeed other groups in the city, celebrated the event that day, the Colton Women's Club welcomed community members and pastors from six churches from Colton, Grand Terrace and Redlands for their full program. Guests enjoyed a breakfast prepared and served by a five-woman Colton Women's Club committee consisting of eggs, sausage, homemade salsa, coffee, orange juice, fresh fruit and water, the program begin with a presentation of colors by the Colton High School NJROTC color guard. "Overall it was very positive," explained Olivia Fredericks, a Colton Women's Club member who helped put on the event. After breakfast, outgoing Colton Women's Club President Linda Chavez welcomed the crowd while Pastor Bonifacio Velasquez of San Salvador/Immaculate Conception church gave the invocation. Colton City Mayor Richard De La Rosa opened the program at the clubhouse, which was doused in spring colors - yellow and lavender - and decorated with floral bouquets. "The honorable mayor of Colton gave a greeting and a quick synopsis of upcoming priority subjects for the city council," said Fredericks. "There was especially an emphasis on water conservation." Colton City Councilmember Dr. Luis Gonzalez gave a history of the National Day of Prayer. In April 1952 a bill was initiated by Conrad Hilton of Hilton Hotels and Sen. Frank Carlson of Kansas, passed as Public Law 82-324. The bill called for the President to set aside one day each year, other than a Sunday, as the National Day of Prayer. In the next 30 years a National Prayer Committee was formed and in 1983 the first National Day of Prayer observance took place at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. A special message was given by Centerpoint Church Pastor Dane Aaker that morning. "He gave a stirring, beautiful and heart-wrenching speech on the power of prayer," said Fredericks. "It's so powerful. Through prayer, you can expect great things." A benediction by Pastor Bob Probert of Packinghouse Christian Fellowship wrapped up the ceremony, which also featured a performance of Amazing Grace by Barry Johnson. "We bowed our heads and it was beautiful. You didn't want it to end," recalled Fredericks. Other special participants included United Methodist Church's Assistant Pastor John Atu, Christ the Redeemer's Jose Luis Crespo and Colton Community Church's Pastor Joe Diaz. In addition, incoming Colton Women's Club President Judy Dishaw introduced these community leaders in attendance: Colton Councilmember Summer Zamora Jorrin, Colton Joint Unified School District Superintendent Jerry Almendarez, Colton Postmaster Mike Cardosa, Colton Fire Chief Tim McHargue, Colton Administrative Batallion Chief Dana de Antonio, Colton Police's Joe Gutierrez, Grand Terrace Woman's Club President Wendy Curran, San Bernardino Women's Club President Carolyn Amaral and California Federation of Women's Clubs President Stephanie Stark. The Colton Women's Club is actively seeking new members. Please call the Clubhouse at 909-825-0797 for membership details.